With Defense Secretary Robert Gates slated to depart before the end of the year, the Washington Post writes about two potential candidates to replace him — Leon Panetta, director of the CIA, and Ray Mabus, secretary of the Navy.

Panetta, a surprise candidate for his current post, likely would continue Gates’ initiative to streamline the department and reform the weapons acquisition process. Mabus previously was governor of Mississippi and ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Panetta appears to be the favorite, but has not yet been approached by the White House, the Post reports.